This hits close to home having grown up in California where brush fires were the norm and in 2007 my two horses survived the Witch Fire in San Diego. My trainer was evacuating a load of horses from Ramona to Del Mar and the fire was spreading so quickly the roads were closing behind her. …
When you learn the art of bareback riding you have a better idea of correct leads, muscle movements, and most importantly balance; all of which are a necessity in the saddle but could easily be ignored if you don’t have the knowledge. Also, I thrive on the simplicity of minimal tack and emotional connection between…
While there’s a lot to love about the long, sunny days of summer, you have to remind yourself that this weather can be hard on your horse. It’s important to take a few precautions and keep a close on your horse when temperatures begin to soar. You can still enjoy riding on relatively hot days,…
Our needs shift with each season throughout the year. After a long, cold winter, spring recharges us with new life and energy all around. It is a busy season, cleaning up after the snow and mud while also preparing for the summer heat (and bugs!). Summer should be a time when we get to relax…
but then all of a sudden, bam (literally!)—your gelding cuts his head in the trailer. Or maybe your mare comes up with a puffy fetlock. Or gets a gunky eye. Or develops a hoof abscess. I’m sure you get the picture. . . Accidents and illnesses often strike without warning, and though more serious issues…
Many equestrians live for the summer months; it brings longer days and warmer nights but with that comes the most dreaded insects of all time, flies! Flies are that annoying little creature that can cause much seeming healthy horse’s massive health issues; one being habronemiasis* or more commonly referred to as summer sores. *According to…
Every trainer seems to have an opinion on the perfect age to start a young horse under saddle. This heated debate has come up over and over again! Each horse needs to be evaluated individually, preferably with the help of your veterinarian. Their physical and mental development needs to be at the center of this…
Rubbed manes and tails, bumps or welts on your horse’s neck or abdomen, skin rubbed raw from scratching, scratching, scratching. No one likes to see their horse suffer like this! Your vet may prescribe steroids or topical creams, but when those don’t relieve the itching, what’s a horse owner to do? Here are a few…
I met Bob about 3 years ago. A friend of mine asked if he could bring Bob to our farm so he could ride and use him for a high school prom parade. My barn was closer to the school and we had riding trails nearby. Bob would only be with us for about a…
Step 1. Find the unicorn(s). When selecting the perfect unicorn model, do not limit your possibilities to the typical white unicorn. Unicorns can come in all different shades…some of which are much easier to keep clean than others, if you get my drift. Additionally, the calmer the unicorn the better. A unicorn that is primarily…
